"You can only be proud of seeing a professional sportsman remaining so positive, focused and professional, whatever the circumstances.

"From a driver point of view it is difficult and frustrating to smile and keep performing when the car is not performing.

"I have a lot of respect for what Fernando achieved during his time with McLaren in Formula One, as he showed a lot of courage and loyalty to the team throughout this tough period.

"It is great to see that Fernando has a future planned in sports cars and also Indy, with plenty of fresh challenges to come as he aims to win the motor sport ‘Triple Crown’ - winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Indy 500.

"He has already the first two, so I wish him every success in next season’s Indy 500 with McLaren."